Ryan Seacrest also paid tribute to outgoing judge Jackson, introducing a highlights reel charting his 12 seasons on the show.

"I think I speak on behalf of a lot of people in America and our producers when I say the door is always open, my brother," said Seacrest.

Jackson also spoke of his passion for the Idol format in the video, saying "Having been here since day one of American Idol, it's given me such an insight into what it takes to be a superstar... it's been an amazing give-and-take for me."

American Idol airs on Fox in the US and on 5* in the UK. Season 13 of the show will premiere in January 2014.